HOUSEHOLD OF FAITH EZINE

As global turmoil, war in Iraq, terrorists throughout the nations, etc. presents a crisis in the world, so do the invaders and followers of Satan continue to disrupt and destroy congregatiion after congregation within the Lord's church. This is occurring with increased momentum. Prior to 15-20 years ago, I could have worshipped with any congregation in this county and maintained a clear conscience. I now know of at least four that I would not, could not, associate with. What a horrible recognition!

I was born in 1930. I have seen many changes in society, in politics, morals, childraising, and even in the Lord's church. Most of these changes have been bad. But that which is occurring in the Lord's church at this time is by far, the worst. At least in my way of seeing things. As the highly publicized prayer of Joe Wright from Kansas prayed, we have killed our babies and called it choice, we have neglected to discipline our children and called it building self esteem, we have lost our spiritual equilibrium and reversed our values."Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil.." (Isaiah 5:20)

And in the Lord's church, we have ignored His authority and brought in instruments of music, we have altered His plan for worship by adding singing groups, women as preachers and prayer leaders, we have used His monies to build playgrounds and gymnasiums, and to build huge and elaborate buildings and steeples while neglecting the needy and the spreading of His word. We entice visitors by giving out $100.00 bills, and by offering free donuts and coffee to early arrivals. We have determined that it is perfectly alright to fellowship any religious group, even the Billy Graham crusades.

I urge all faithful Elders and church leaders to exert strong diligence towards keeping this cancer from infecting your flock. Stay aware of the thoughts of your people and be extremely careful when hiring a new preacher, or even inviting a guest speaker. This ultra liberal chancre sore often starts with only subtle innovations. Following are some good articles concerning this subject.

The standard of what is acceptable in religion for many is whether it satisfies the individual. Many "shop" for a religion that meets their personal preferences, treating the Scriptures as a saladbar-- picking things they like and passing over others. Many declare satisfaction with the course they have chosen in religion without ever considering the question, "Is God satisfied with my religion?" The whole conclusion is not, serve God as you please, but "Fear God and keep His commandments" (Eccl. 12:13). Our purpose in daily activities and in worship should be to strive to please God. Those who truly seek to serve God will not be satisfied until they do this. We must be willing to test our practices and beliefs to see if they agree with the Scriptures. "Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves" (2Cor. 13:5).

The only way to please God in all that we do is to follow His revealed will-- to simply read and study the Scriptures and follow them in all we do, not adding to them or taking away (2Jn. 9; Deut. 4:2). Those who fail to do this lack respect for the authority of God as Lord and Master. The inspired apostle declared, "And whatsoever ye do, in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord" (Col.3:17). To "do all in the name of the Lord" means to respect the authority of the Lord in everything. We must have God's authority for all that we do and that authority must be established from the Scriptures; for it is there that God has revealed His will for us.

So, our personal morality, conduct, religious beliefs, and things practiced in worship must be based on book, chapter, and verse. One may be satisfied with the manner in which they live and worship, while God may not be, making life and worship worthless before the Lord. As Jesus warned, "This people draweth nigh unto Me with their mouth, and honoureth Me with their lips; but their heart is far from Me. But in vain they do worship Me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men" (Matt. 15:8,9). Therefore, let us search the Scriptures to establish authority for all that we believe and practice showing respect God's authority.

Reprinted from Examining The Scriptures

Most people recognize the need for authority in our lives. That's why we have policemen, sheriffs, and government in general. Laws are in place to keep things orderly so we may live peaceably and harmoniously in the world today.

The same is true in religion. There is a recognizable need for authority in matters pertaining to what God would have us to do. Christ said in Matthew 28:18, "All authority has been given to me in Heaven and on earth." Christ is the one who is in charge. All authority is inclusive of everything regarding our religious practices.

Men have often thought of ways they think are better than the ones Christ gave. They have added many things to worship and practice of religion that are not found in God's word, the New Testament. Furthermore, some even set themselves up as "Christ's vicar on earth." There must be one standard, otherwise there is chaos, and this is what we see in the religious world around us. The prophet Isaiah said of God's authority, "For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts higher than your thoughts," (Isaiah 55:9)

God is in charge. He has set down the rules for how he wants to be worshipped and served. It is not man's place to add or take away from God's plan.

Reprinted from The Seeker bulletin archives.

"It is, in a way, an odd thing to honor those who died in defense of our country in wars far away. The imagination plays a trick. We see these soldiers in our mind as old and wise. We see them as something like the Founding Fathers, grave and gray-haired. But most of them were boys when they died, they gave up two lives -- the one they were living and the one they would have lived. When they died, they gave up their chance to be husbands and fathers and grandfathers. They gave up their chance to be revered old men. They gave up everything for their county, for us. All we can do is remember."

-- Ronald Wilson Reagan, Remarks at Veteran's Day ceremony, Arlington National Cemetery Arlington, Virginia, November 11, 1985

"Developing Leadership In The Church For The 21st Century" and a "Bible Foundations" course are offered to meet the two greatest needs in the church today.

The leadership book is a practical, 63 page book of 13 chapters with review questions. The character traits, work habits and characteristics needed in servant leaders are detailed, that men may be taught, trained and disciplined to become self-disciplined servants of Christ. $5.00 plus s/h.

The Bible Foundations study is a unique course, designed to be used either as a study by mail or as a one-on-one study. Fourteen lessons stress the authority of the Bible, the authority of Christ, rightly dividing the word, what it means to obey the gospel, and Christ's church on earth today. Review questions are designed to lead to obedience to the gospel. $2.00 plus s/h. Unlimited reproduction rights are granted to teachers in programs who teach students in foreign countries. For more detailed information or to order, write to Allard Publications: eallard@juno.com

Chula Vista Books is owned and operated by Mark and Teah McWhorter. We carry a wide selection of Bible related materials--ladies' books, childrens' materials, commentaries, apologetics, lectureship books, missions books, class books, debates, sermon books, church history, topical studies, Bible covers, Bibles, tracts, BCCs and more.

We also send out used book lists from time to time. Unfortunately we do not have a catalog at present but invite your inquiries. If you would like to be on our mailing list, send us your email address.

Mark McWhorter, 420 Chula Vist Mtn Rd, Pell City AL 35125, Phone 205-338-1843

Does your congregation have a web site? Can you add, update and delete information from your existing web site easily? If you answered no to either question visit The Lord's Way. This new service allows you to create a web site for your congregation and update it yourself whenever you want by simply completing online forms. The service is designed for any congregation that wants a web site that contains current, updated and fresh information but does not want to invest the time and money in learning about the inner-workings of the Internet. Your new site will be packed with information about your congregation. Visit us and take a tour!

"We at the French's Company wish to put an end to statements that our product is manufactured in France. There is no relationship, nor has there ever been a relationship, between our mustard and the country of France. Indeed, our mustard is manufactured in Rochester, NY. The only thing we have in common is that we are both yellow."

I am currently working on a project, building a new and complete directory of churches of Christ in the U.S.A. which have some type of web presence. It is an extremely arduous task. I am presently working on the "N" states (working alphabetically). I suspect that it will take me much of the rest of this year to complete. Please do not send me any links ahead of what I have already done since I have no way of storing them in any decent order. However, I hope you will visit the work that I have done and if you know of any congregation's website that I do not have listed in any of the states that are now completed, I would appreciate receiving their URL. Directory

The theme for SELTC 2003 is "Go!" Based on the book of Matthew, this year's study challenges each of us to allow God to rule in every area of our life. We pray that this year's study affords you the opportunity to grow closer to God and each other. The date for this year's convention is April 18-20, 2003. We will be meeting at the Adam's Mark in Mobile, AL. For more information please visit our website at www.seltc.org or call 205-988-5808.

The Bear Valley Bible Institute, Scottsboro Extension (BVBISE) is half-way through it's second year of operation under the oversight of the elders of the Broad Street Church of Christ in Scottsboro, Alabama. The school is an extension of the BEAR VALLEY BIBLE INSTITUTE of DENVER. 40 courses (and eight out-of-class mini-courses) completed over a four-year period lead to the Bachelor of Biblical Studies Degree. The Associates Degree may be earned in half that time.

One course is taught each month (except July and December) in two all-day Saturday sessions along with outside assignments. The school is TUITION FREE. The only costs to the student are for required texts & materials, and a $5 fee each Saturday to help cover the teacher's expenses. The teachers are academically well-qualified and experienced gospel preachers who know and love the Bible as the verbally inspired and authoritative word of God, and who volunteer their time and work as a labor of love.

BVBISE is committed to training sound and able Bible teachers (men and women), and faithful gospel preachers for service in the kingdom of Christ. The format is designed to make this training possible for men and women who must continue their jobs and other pursuits while they study. Credit is given for previous college or preacher-school study. A preacher-school graduate may be able to earn the Bachelor of Biblical Studies Degree in as little as four months of study. For more information please contact the Broad Street Church of Christ, 613 South Broad Street, Scottsboro, AL 35768. Phone: 256-574-2489. EMAIL

A young Pig was shut up in a fold-yard with a Goat and a Sheep. On one occasion when the shepherd laid hold of him, he grunted and squeaked and resisted violently. The Sheep and the Goat complained of his distressing cries, saying, "He often handles us, and we do not cry out." To this the Pig replied, "Your handling and mine are very different things. He catches you only for your wool, or your milk, but he lays hold on me for my very life." ...Aesop